Neuron and Glial Cells Exposed to Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles: Results from MTT and γH2AX Assays

Abstract

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2NP) show antioxidant enzyme-like properties and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, making them a promising material for potential therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this work was to assess the biological behavior of CeO2NP in human SH-SY5Y neuronal and A172 glial cells by means of the MTT assay and the γH2AX assay. Despite the significant dose- and time-dependent NP internalization by both cell lines, nanoceria generally presented scarce cytotoxicity or genotoxicity, essentially restricted to the highest NP doses and longest exposure times. In conclusion, a high biocompatibility of CeO2NP was observed under the conditions tested.

Keywords

• cerium dioxide nanoparticles
• cellular uptake
• cytotoxicity
• genotoxicity
• neurotoxicity
• nanoceria biocompatibility